Record: Cristiano Ronaldo becomes first Player to Score 100 European goals

Cristiano Ronaldo has said he never imagined he would become the first player to score 100 European goals when he first started out, but he is thrilled and honoured to have achieved the feat.

Ronaldo, 32, reached the milestone after netting twice to lead Real Madrid to a 2-1 comeback victory over Bayern Munich in Wednesday’s Champions League quarterfinal first leg.

The Portugal international was presented with a commemorative shirt by Real president Florentino Perez on Thursday to mark the accomplishment, and told the club’s official website: “It’s a great honour to reach 100 goals in Europe. Yesterday was a special day, with a very important win.

“I’m very happy. I want to thank Real Madrid for the opportunity to build a wonderful career at this club, and to my teammates as well.

Ronaldo opened his account in Europe while at Manchester United, scoring in a 3-0 over Debrecen in August 2005.

That was Ronaldo’s only goal in his first 32 European games for Sporting Lisbon and United, but he has now reached three figures from only 143 matches — all but three of which have come in the Champions League proper.

Ronaldo added: “When I started scoring goals in the Champions League, I never imagined I’d beat this record. For me it’s an honour to reach such a difficult figure. I’m absolutely thrilled, really happy.”

The striker’s brace at the Allianz Arena helped his side recover from going behind to Arturo Vidal’s opener, with Vidal also wasting a chance to double the hosts’ lead when he missed a penalty.

Ronaldo levelled in the 47th minute and then, after Bayern saw Javi Martinez sent off just after the hour, he netted a 77th-minute winner.

That result has put reigning champions Madrid in pole position to reach the semifinals, but Ronaldo has warned that there is still work to be done.

He added: “We’ve got a slight advantage and I hope the fans can get behind us and help us, because it’s going to be a tough battle. Hopefully Real Madrid win and we get through to the semifinals.

“We know April will be a difficult, decisive month, and the team looks good. The coach [Zinedine Zidane] has managed things well, with good squad rotation, and we’re ready for the final stage of the season.”

Madrid defender Sergio Ramos added: “We’ve taken a big step in the tie, but there’s still the return leg to come against great opposition, who have shown that they’re one of the favourites to win the competition.”

Meanwhile, Bayern forward Thomas Muller said they were pleased in the end to come away with a one-goal deficit.

“At the end we are happy that it remained 2-1,” he told Bayern’s official website. “So we still have every chance in Madrid. We have enough self belief, we have the quality and passion to win in Madrid.”